Smith & Wesson 459

The Smith & Wesson 459 was the 2nd generation of the Smith & Wesson 59 (which was a double stacked magazine version of the Smith & Wesson 39). The main notable external difference between the 459 and the 59 was adjustable rear sights (and a slight modification to the front sight to accommodate the higher profile of the newer rear sights). However, 459's could be ordered with fixed sights as well. The only other external difference was a single pin placement on the right side of the frame, the slide stop pivot pin (It appears behind the frame bulge on the 459, but ahead of it on the older 59, where the bulge is further back). Early production models had the round trigger guard. Later models had the square trigger guard. It was only in production for 8 years, being again replaced by a later generation of S&W auto 9mm handguns, the 5900 series. The S&W 459 had an all (blued) steel counter-part called the S&W 559 and a stainless steel version known as the Smith & Wesson 659.